Edmonton Oilers navigate preseason lineup changes as McDavid and Draisaitl headline intriguing experiment
The Edmonton Oilers find themselves at a pivotal juncture, with only three preseason games remaining before they dive into the regular season. Their upcoming matchups include the Vancouver Canucks on September 28, the Seattle Kraken on October 1, and a rematch with the Canucks on October 3. Amid this countdown, the team conducted a practice session on September 27, where they showcased a lineup that hints at their strategy for Game One of the season.
Roster Moves Signal Intent
Following the practice, the Oilers made significant roster decisions, sending four players to the Bakersfield Condors. Roby Jarventie and Josh Brown were placed on waivers to facilitate their demotion, while Viljami Marjala and Samuel Jonsson were assigned directly to the Condors without needing waivers.
Lineup Combinations Stir Curiosity
The forward combinations from the September 27 practice raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. The Oilers’ top line features the dynamic trio of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Trent Frederic. This unit previously skated together in a preseason game, and coach Kris Knoblauch expressed optimism about their potential, even though the results on the scoresheet have yet to reflect their capabilities.
The second line, however, is where the intrigue deepens. Composed of Ike Howard, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Andrew Mangiapane, this combination appears formidable on paper. Nugent-Hopkins serves as a skilled playmaker with a strong defensive acumen, while Mangiapane’s tenacity as an aggressive forechecker complements Howard’s finishing ability.
Third and Fourth Line Dynamics
The third line consists of Adam Henrique, David Tomasek, and Matt Savoie, a decision that has caught some off guard, particularly those who believed Savoie might warrant a higher spot in the lineup. The presence of two natural centers, Henrique and Tomasek, is a tactical advantage. Henrique’s proven ability to win faceoffs during playoff scenarios adds depth to this line.
Rounding out the forward lines, the fourth unit features Mattias Janmark, Curtis Lazar, and Kasperi Kapanen. If this group remains intact into the regular season, it could prove to be a solid foundation. Interestingly, the so-called “fifth” line, which includes Noah Philp centering Josh Samanski and Quinn Hutson, could easily transition into the fourth line when the Oilers face off against the Calgary Flames. Both Samanski and Philp have made notable impressions during training camp, solidifying their chances to start with the main roster.
Open Roster Spots Create Opportunities
With Vasily Podkolzin currently on leave due to a family tragedy and Zach Hyman still in recovery mode, the Oilers have created opportunities for newcomers and rookies to stake their claim. The potential for fresh talent to emerge is palpable, especially with the roster still taking shape.
The Oilers’ lineup as of September 27 is as follows:
Draisaitl-McDavid-Frederic
Howard-RNH-Mangiapane
Henrique-Tomasek-Savoie
Janmark-Lazar-Kapanen
Samanski-Philp-Hutson
On the defensive end, the pairings are:
Ekholm-Bouchard
Nurse-Stecher
Kulak-Emberson
Dineen-Regula
Leppanen
In goal, the Oilers have Skinner, Pickard, and Tomkins lined up.
As the team prepares for its final preseason games, the decisions made now could set the tone for a season filled with promise and challenges. The Oilers’ ability to meld established stars with emerging talent will be critical as they aim for success in the upcoming campaign.
